What is Slap The World Tour 2014 all about?
Kuala Lumpur is our first stop before I visit other parts of the world
like Taipei, Hong Kong, Paris, London, Budapest, Mexico City, Berlin and
Tokyo. This world tour is to promote my latest tracks from the album
Miyavi, as well as to meet my fans, after a few months of rest from any
performance. This is my first performance after my throat operation. So I
want to take this opportunity to strengthen my voice.

Can you explain more about the operation?
Yes. When people were celebrating Christmas last year, I was in the
hospital to remove polyps in my throat. But thanks to that, now I am
able to be high pitched and scream.

What’s so unique about the latest seventh self-titled studio album?
I recorded the whole album with my drummer, Bobo. There were only two
of us. The album focuses on music programming and stronger beats as
compared to previous albums. It is technical with massive guitar riffs
and catchy melody. I created this album to engage with the audience
during a live performance.

Your latest album is named after you. Why?
It was supposed to be slap the beat. But we thought that the album represented my music. So I called it Miyavi.

Some fans commented on YouTube saying you sound like a pop singer now, as compared to your rock sound in previous albums.
Fans can label me whatever they want. But one thing is certain, I am becoming a Hollywood star!

In 2007 in Germany, your fans couldn’t enter because some had
bought fake tickets (the show was sold out). But you refused to perform
unless the organiser allowed them in, which they later did.
I remember that event and it was horrible. I love my fans and everyone
who support my career. They came because they loved me. So it’s my
responsibility to appreciate them, no matter if they bought original or
fake tickets.

In 2008, you went to the US to learn English. How comfortable are you writing lyrics in English?
I think I am able to express my feelings using two languages now and
that is awesome. To be frank, it wasn’t that hard because the Japanese
has more vowels than English. But the main reason I learnt English was
to be able to communicate with more people. It was one of the best
decision I made because I got a chance to act in a Hollywood film.

Who helped you when you were learning English?
My manager, my wife (Japanese Pop singer Melody) and co-workers speak
English. Even my two little daughters speak English. They all helped me.

What songs will you recommend new fans?
I would love to introduce my new fans to Day 1. It’s my collaboration
with French electronic producer and DJ, Yuksek. I really like the
attitude of the track because it is a hybrid of rock and dance music. I
personally love to perform that song on stage while going crazy with my
guitar.

In the film Broken, you star as Sergeant Mutsuhiro Watanabe. Can you reveal some details about him?
He is evil. He is assigned to torture Louis Zamperini. Angelina Jolie
and I discussed in depth about this character and we thought that
Watanabe is not 100 per cent evil — there is some humanity in him.

In the future, what type of character would you like to try?
Music is always my priority. So I don’t stress myself about acting. If I find a suitable character I will just go for it.

You have a lot of tattoos. Are you obsessed with yourself?
I am an insecure person. And I’m not strong. I always have trouble
coping with my past. So I decided to have tattoos as the reminders of
who I am and who I want to be. - See more at:
http://www.nst.com.my/life-times/tech/showbiz-slap-spanking-stuff-1.496585#ixzz2us0D33FC

What is Slap The World Tour 2014 all about?
Kuala Lumpur is our first stop before I visit other parts of the world
like Taipei, Hong Kong, Paris, London, Budapest, Mexico City, Berlin and
Tokyo. This world tour is to promote my latest tracks from the album
Miyavi, as well as to meet my fans, after a few months of rest from any
performance. This is my first performance after my throat operation. So I
want to take this opportunity to strengthen my voice.

Can you explain more about the operation?
Yes. When people were celebrating Christmas last year, I was in the
hospital to remove polyps in my throat. But thanks to that, now I am
able to be high pitched and scream.

What’s so unique about the latest seventh self-titled studio album?
I recorded the whole album with my drummer, Bobo. There were only two
of us. The album focuses on music programming and stronger beats as
compared to previous albums. It is technical with massive guitar riffs
and catchy melody. I created this album to engage with the audience
during a live performance.

Your latest album is named after you. Why?
It was supposed to be slap the beat. But we thought that the album represented my music. So I called it Miyavi.

Some fans commented on YouTube saying you sound like a pop singer now, as compared to your rock sound in previous albums.
Fans can label me whatever they want. But one thing is certain, I am becoming a Hollywood star!

In 2007 in Germany, your fans couldn’t enter because some had
bought fake tickets (the show was sold out). But you refused to perform
unless the organiser allowed them in, which they later did.
I remember that event and it was horrible. I love my fans and everyone
who support my career. They came because they loved me. So it’s my
responsibility to appreciate them, no matter if they bought original or
fake tickets.

In 2008, you went to the US to learn English. How comfortable are you writing lyrics in English?
I think I am able to express my feelings using two languages now and
that is awesome. To be frank, it wasn’t that hard because the Japanese
has more vowels than English. But the main reason I learnt English was
to be able to communicate with more people. It was one of the best
decision I made because I got a chance to act in a Hollywood film.

Who helped you when you were learning English?
My manager, my wife (Japanese Pop singer Melody) and co-workers speak
English. Even my two little daughters speak English. They all helped me.

What songs will you recommend new fans?
I would love to introduce my new fans to Day 1. It’s my collaboration
with French electronic producer and DJ, Yuksek. I really like the
attitude of the track because it is a hybrid of rock and dance music. I
personally love to perform that song on stage while going crazy with my
guitar.

In the film Broken, you star as Sergeant Mutsuhiro Watanabe. Can you reveal some details about him?
He is evil. He is assigned to torture Louis Zamperini. Angelina Jolie
and I discussed in depth about this character and we thought that
Watanabe is not 100 per cent evil — there is some humanity in him.

In the future, what type of character would you like to try?
Music is always my priority. So I don’t stress myself about acting. If I find a suitable character I will just go for it.

You have a lot of tattoos. Are you obsessed with yourself?
I am an insecure person. And I’m not strong. I always have trouble
coping with my past. So I decided to have tattoos as the reminders of
who I am and who I want to be. - See more at:
http://www.nst.com.my/life-times/tech/showbiz-slap-spanking-stuff-1.496585#ixzz2us0D33FC